Projects continue at Lewis Emery Park

Thursday

Sep 12, 2013 at 8:24 AMSep 12, 2013 at 8:24 AM

By Andy Barrandabarrand@hillsdale.net

HILLSDALE — After much discussion Wednesday morning, the Hillsdale County Park Commission finalized its proposed budget to be presented to the Hillsdale County Commissioners.Under the assumption that county appropriations will remain the same as 2013, the board will submit a budget close to last year’s. The commission received $21,864 in appropriations for 2013.The board is asking for $30,000 in hopes of getting a slight increase in appropriations for 2014.“I want to be realistic when we go to the board or we're just going to get shot down,” said Robert Godfrey, board chair.During the meeting Ted Jansen, park director, updated the commission on several projects that are still in progress at Lewis Emery Park.After being delayed over the past couple of months, crews are scheduled to begin the work this week on the exterior bathroom project. CCW-Custom Builders will be doing the work.CCW-Custom Builders will also be constructing a new shelter at the park in honor of Ken Vallieu. The structure is being paid for by Vallieus’ family.The open-air shelter on the southwest side of the community Ccenter is scheduled for completion in October.Board members also discussed getting a quote to put electricity in the shelter.Jansen said the shelter would be a plus for people reserving the community center for wedding receptions and other occasions.Jansen is also in the process of installing new playground equipment at the park. The equipment was paid for with donations.He said all of the equipment should be installed within the next week.Recreation Creations also donated a children’s picnic table for the park.The next park board meeting will be at 9 a.m. Oct. 9.